BCCI fears prompted ICC: Gillespie

Former Australia pacer Jason Gillespie claimed the ICC didn't recognise the 'rebel' Indian Cricket League because it didn't want to rub BCCI the wrong way.

"The ICL were hoping for a resolution but the ICC decided to go the other way. They haven't given a reason but the BCCI runs the game, it's that simple," Gillespie said.

The former paceman, who has has signed to play in a six-team Twenty20 American Premier League tournament, was also baffled by the ICC decision to deny legitimacy to APL to be held from October 6-26 this year.

"I am baffled the ICC wouldn't look to give this APL tournament any credit," Gillespie was quoted as saying by "The Advertiser".

"There has long been a desire to crack America, the ICC has a duty to do that and the APL provides that opportunity. We want to spread cricket into places like America. To not make things official just means you fly in the face of it," added Gillespie, who will play for the APL Premium World XI led by former Test team-mate Damien Martyn.

Other players to feature in APL will be ex-Pakistan skipper Inzamam-ul-Haq, South Africa's Lance Klusener and Kiwi Nathan Astle.

Gillespie and former Australia batsman Stuart Law were last year banned from coaching at the National Centre of Excellence due to their links with the ICL.